Top 10 Best DD WRT Router 2018 | Buyer’s Guide and Reviews

Wireless router that runs on DD-WRT: Consumers are on the go 24/7. This is also true for your company’s workforce. When the employee is outside of the office, there is a possibility that they’ll need to access something inside of the firewall. In many situations, this can create a barrier and make it impossible to do so. The Cloud has helped to alleviate this problem to some degree, but it is not a universal solution for all companies. Instead, remote workers may want to consider utilizing a virtual private network or VPN to solve this riddle.

With a VPN, there are always two components. There is the server and the client. In the business sense, the VPN is a little different from that of a personal VPN. The user will remain in complete control of both sides of the connection and therefore, it must start at the router.

VPNs are very diverse and vary in an abundance of different ways. In fact, there are various protocols that help to standardize the connection and different encryption levels are available to ensure the data transmitted remains safe. Obviously, a greater level of encryption will ensure a much more secure connection and vice versa. Just remember that more security will normally decrease the overall speed of the connection. The encryption and decryption processes can be fairly demanding and this can lead to a decrease in connection speeds. Nevertheless, many businesses and consumers will agree that the increased security is worth it.

For professionals, it can be very difficult to find a perfect blend of speed and security. It is impossible to achieve this goal by utilizing a conventional router and this is why they need to look for something else. If your business is facing a similar situation and you want to remain in complete control of your network, you’ll definitely want to consider making the transition over to a customizable router operating system. There are numerous options to choose from, but the most common is to invest in a DD-WRT router. The Dresden-Wireless Router is an operating system that is open-source and based on Linux.

There are numerous DD WRT routers that are idealistic for small to medium sized businesses, but not all of them are equal. How can you know for certain that you’ve found the right router for your business? Within this comprehensive guide, you will learn more about these routers and their enormous benefits. Before we get to that, here is a summary of all the top 7 best router for DD-WRT Firmware items reviews below;

#1. TP-Link Archer AC1750 Smart WiFi Router Review

TP-Link is a pretty reputable brand with a history of delivering amazing products time and time again. Nevertheless, it is important to realize that some of their offerings are better than others. Which one is the best one for your individualistic needs? If you need to stream 4k video and want to play video games online, you should consider investing in the TP-Link Archer AC1750.

This router has all of the features you would expect from a high-end router, yet it is half the price of its competitors. Some of those features will be explored in greater depth below.

Dual Bands And Lightning Fast Speeds

The TP-Link Archer is designed to deliver the best performance possible. It is compatible with dual bands. This is definitely a major benefit for households with a lot of electronic devices. With two bands, you’ll be able to greatly reduce interference, while also delivering faster speeds where they’re needed the most. On top of that, this router delivers great speeds. On the 2.4 GHz band, you’ll get 450 Mbps. With the 5 GHz band, you’ll receive maximum speeds of 1300 Mbps. This combination ensures that you’ll get a great connection and just enough speeds for gaming and streaming.

The Tether App

Another great thing about the TP-Link Archer AC1750 is the fact that it is compatible with the TP-Link Tether App. Pretty much everyone has a smartphone in this day and age. By using your smartphone and the associated app, you’ll be able to save yourself time and energy. The Tether app makes the setup process much easier. You can also use the app to adjust your Wi-Fi network’s settings and prepare for firmware updates. The app will truly make your life so much easier.

Six Antennas

The TP-Link Archer allows the user to point the signal in the right direction. With six antennas, you’ll be able to receive amazing coverage. The router is equipped with three internal antennas and three external antennas. The external antennas give you the ability to adjust the signal and send it in the areas that need it the most.

Superior CPU

This router is equipped with a powerful CPU. In fact, it is much more powerful than standard router CPUs. This might seem minor, but it can make a big difference. With the stronger processor, you’ll have enough power to deliver lightning fast speeds to each and every one of the devices on your network. You can play games online, download files and stream movies without much trouble whatsoever.

Pros

Great CPU ensures a great condition

Works on dual bands

Six antennas for the best coverage

Equipped with dual USB ports

Compatible with the TP-Link Tether app

Comes with free life time support

Protected by a two-year warranty

Cons

Wired ports could be better

Instructions are not great

Overall Assessment

Truly, the TP-Link Archer AC1750 will make a great investment for most households. There are faster and more powerful routers out there, but this one is right on target. It is sleek, powerful, and capable of satisfying pretty much every household in the country. If you want a great bargain router that will deliver big, this is the one you should check out.

#2 TP-Link AC1900 Wireless Wi-Fi Gigabit Router (Touch P5) Review

Owning a business comes with many responsibilities, with one of them being providing workers with a high-performance Wi-Fi connection. Downloads require high speeds and a high-quality wireless router will be key to ensuring reliability.

The TP-Link AC1900 Wireless Gigabit Router is considered the best VP router on the market. Its craftsmanship is the highest quality to ensure both durability and longevity, but even better is its many embedded technologies.

1GHz Dual Core Processor

The GHz dual core processor has the capabilities to handle various tasks simultaneously. It can even do this without interruption, which in turn will increase your productivity over time.

Beamforming

The TP-Link AC1900 is embedded with beamforming technologies that directs Wi-Fi towards the devices that are connected to the network. This allows the router to create a strong connection to each and every device.

Ethernet Ports

Most offices utilize multiple computers and mobile devices every day to perform specific duties. The TP-Link AC1900 is equipped with 4-gigabit Ethernet ports, so you can connect your desktop computers directly to the router. These connects will ensure faster speeds than Wi-Fi hotspots, which is why most business owners prefer them.

Pros

4K HD online gaming and video streaming capabilities

Very affordable

Innovative touchscreen display

1GHz dual core processor

Equipped with 4 gigabit Ethernet and one 2.0 and 3.0 USB ports

Includes a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty

24/7 Technical support

3 External antennas

Beamforming technology

Cons

Setup instructed need to be improved

Range could be better

Overall Assessment

The TP-Link AC1900 Wireless Gigabit DD WRT best router is suitable for home and office. The setup is a little complicated, especially when it comes to taking advantage of all the features. However, technical support is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, so be sure to take advantage of it.

Most gamers and business owners are always looking for something that will give them a winning edge over the competition. Whether it is a marketing strategy or a new type of technology, any advantage can go a long way when it comes to getting a competitive edge.

If you truly want a home network that is capable of delivering blazing fast connection speeds and undeniable reliability, you have to check out the NETGEAR Nighthawk AC2600. NETGEAR is known for their routers, but the AC2600 without a doubt at the top of the charts. Once you’ve checked it out for yourself, you’ll see why.

Built With A Dual Core Processor

One of the things that makes the NETGEAR Nighthawk AC2600 tailor made for gaming and businesses is the 1.7 GHz dual core processor. When you combine this with the dynamic QoS, you truly receive a lag free gaming or work experience that will have you buzzing around the competition leaving them wondering what happened. All of this allows users to achieve a maximum network connection of 2.53 Gbps, which is off the charts in terms of speed.

Stretching The Range

Is there an area in the home or office that your current router can’t reach? Does your connection automatically drop when you hit this area? Well, that will not be a problem with the NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S, thanks to the 4 high performance antennas. The router also comes with beamforming technology, which extends the range even further.

Pros

Dual core processor provides 1.7 Ghz

QoS prioritizes bandwidth for connections and downloads that need the speed

800 and 1733 Mbps of speed

Extended range reaches the furthest corners of the house

Beamforming technology also increases Wi-Fi signal

Cons

Signal strength and interfacing might drop over time

Some individuals with certain ISPs will experience issues with firmware

Overall Assessment

If you are a hardcore gamer looking to get the edge with your connection speed, you can do just that and more with the NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S. Plus, it works exceptionally well for workplaces!

#4 Linksys WRT AC3200 Open Source Review

If you are on the market for the best router for DD WRT, you should look no further than the Linksys WRT AC3200 Open Source Wireless Router. The AC3200 is integrated with multiple technologies to ensure a reliable, constant and strong connection, as well as fast speeds. The router is designed to offer full customization and flexibility, so you can make the needed adjustments to ensure the highest performance rating.

Smart Wi-Fi App

The Linksys comes with a smart Wi-Fi app to allow users to manage their smart home devices. This feature not only allows you to control the devices, but also gives you the ability to control them from anywhere and at any time. For instance, if you want to manipulate your smart thermostat from your vehicle, when you are on your way home, you will have the ability to do just that. This feature is a necessity for people who live in a smart home environment.

Tri-Steam 160 Technology

The Linksys WRT AC3200 Router is integrated with Tri-Stream 160 Technology to deliver extreme, untouched Wi-Fi speeds that will never lag. This technology also doubts the 5GHz bandwidth, so you can download and upload data with interference.

Gives You Control

The AC3200 is open source ready, which basically means that you can make the necessary modifications to suit your preferences and needs. The router utilizes DD-WRT and OpenWrt open source distributions, allowing users to create and manage every Wi-Fi hotspot with ease, detect any intrusions in the network, employ endless advanced features and analyze, manage and capture network traffic. These capabilities are not offered with most brands, so if you are looking for a router that will give your full control, look no further than the AC3200.

The Linksys WRT AC3200 Router works great, while offering a higher level of security. The connection is solid and the range is powerful and reliable. You can customize the router as you see fit to ensure the highest performance.

#5 ASUS AC5300 Wireless Tri-Band (Dual 5GHz + Single 2.4GHz)

Whether you are looking to setup the ultimate office or home network, you are going to need a good router that is up to the task. While, there are tons of hardware on the market that can satisfy your needs, nothing will truly accomplish the task like the ASIS AC5300 Wireless Tri-Band Gigabit Router. When you look at everything this router has to offer, you will easily see why this product received the highest customer satisfaction ratings of any wireless router available on the market today.

Allocate Connection Speeds With The Tri-Band Smart Connect

One of the features that puts this router miles ahead of the competition is the tri-band smart connection. In the office, not all of the computers are going to require the same bandwidth at the same time. For instance, your IT department might require more bandwidth during the midafternoon hours, because this is when they run Internet diagnostics and downloads. However, during the morning hours your office computer might require more bandwidth, because you are taking online meetings and conference calls. The neat thing about the router is that it utilizes smart connect technology to allocate the bandwidth speeds to the connection that requires the most speed.

Pros

Tri-Band smart connection allocates speeds where needed

Easily manage your network with the ASUS APP

Wi-Fi stability and range are both increased with beamforming technology

4 GHz dual processor backed with 512 MB of memory

Two-year warranty

Cons

Not the cheapest router on the market

Might require technical assistance to setup and install

Overall Assessment

If you want to ultimate home or office network that can provide speeds, security, and reliability, you have to check out the ASIS AC5300 Wireless Tri-Band Gigabit Router.

#6 Linksys EA6350 Wi-Fi Wireless Dual-Band Router Review

Wouldn’t you like to greatly enhance your network, without breaking the bank? If so, you should definitely consider checking out the Linksys EA6350 Router. This router is surprisingly affordable, but it is truly a workhorse.

This router offers pretty much everything you could expect from a much more expensive model. For instance, it offers USB ports and dual bands. What else can it do for you and your employees? You’ll find out below!

Excellent Speeds

Despite the low cost, the Linksys EA6350 Router delivers great speeds. On the 2.4 GHz band, you’ll receive speeds of 300 Mbps. When you switch over to the 5 GHz band, you’ll be able to receive speeds of 867 Mbps. Plus, the dual-band connectivity will help to ensure that you and your workers are able to maintain a steady connection with the minimum risk of interference.

Ports

While you’re at it, you should remember that this router is equipped with plenty of porters. In total, it has 4 Ethernet ports. This ensures that you’ll be able to get the fastest speeds for nearby devices. Plus, it has a USB 3.0 port. The USB 3.0 technology is approximately ten times faster than the older version. With this port, you’ll be able to create a network storage, so your employees can access important documents fluidly.

Easy Setup

Unlike many of the alternatives, you will have very little problem hooking up the Linksys EA6350. Even if you intend to make the upgrade to the DD-WRT firmware, you’ll likely be able to achieve your goal within a short period of time. Just remember to proceed with caution to avoid potential problems.

Pros

Equipped with 4 Ethernet ports and a USB 3.0 port

Dual bands for less interference

AC and N standards

Setup is fairly easy

Delivers speeds of 300 Mbps and 867 Mbps

Very affordable

Cons

Range isn’t a homerun

Overall Assessment

Despite some having a minor issue with range, the Linksys EA6350 Dual-Band Router is still a good investment. It is very affordable, yet offers a reliable connection and impressive speeds. Plus, the setup process is fairly easy. What more could you ask for?

#7 ASUS RT-AC88U Wireless AC3100 Dual Band Gigabit Router Review

ASUS is generally a very respected brand. The company is widely known for their routers and the RT-AC88U Router is definitely one of their best products. In fact, this could very well be the fastest router that is compatible with the DD-WRT firmware. This router comes with a wealth of benefits that will ensure you and your employees get the best speeds and signal humanly possible. With lightning fast speeds and the longest range, you can ensure that this router will be able to keep your employees working at maximum efficiency.

Excellent Speed And Range

First and foremost, you should realize that this is definitely one of the fastest routers on the market. On the 5 GHz frequency, it can deliver a maximum of 2100 Mbps. On the slower 2.4 GHz, it will deliver speeds of 1000 Mbps. This is great for the workplace. This DD WRT compatible router also delivers in terms of range. In total, it is capable of delivering coverage for up to 5,000 square feet! No matter where your employees are located in the office, you can guarantee that they’ll receive a reliable, lightning quick connection!

Bands And Ports

Another thing to remember is that this router offers dual bands. As mentioned above, it works on the 5 GHz and the 2.4 GHz frequencies. With the Smart Connect feature, this router ensures the best band is always selected for your device. Plus, this router offers plenty of ports. In total, it has 8 Ethernet ports! And, it has a USB port for network storage purposes. Truly, there is very little that you cannot do with this amazing router.

Pros

Lightning fast speeds on both bands

8 Ethernet ports and USB 3.0 and 2.0 compatibility

Range of up to 5,000 square feet

Smart connect ensures you always get the best band

Suitable for the DD-WRT firmware

Cons

Drops connection from time to time

Original software is buggy

Overall Assessment

The ASUS RT-AC88U definitely has a few minor problems. Nevertheless, it is still one of the quickest routers on the market. Plus, it is compatible with the DD-WRT firmware. If you want the maximum speeds, this router should not be ignored!

Understanding DD-WRT

Before getting in too far, you should better familiarize yourself with the DD-WRT firmware. First and foremost, you should understand that this is a firmware that is based on the Linux operating system. Previously, the firmware was designed to be utilized with the Linksys WRT54G model of routers. Today, the firmware is commonly utilized on a variety of routers from numerous companies, including Buffalo Technologies, Netgear, D-Link and many more. This unique firmware is enormously beneficial for businesses and ordinary consumers, because it offers access to a wealth of features, including VPNs, DDNS, IPv6, QOS, and so much more.

The PPTP is one of the oldest technologies in the VPN sector. Today, it is safe to say that almost every device and technology is compatible with PPTP. Just remember that there is one minor problem. This technology has a minute amount of security. Those looking for additional security will want to make the transition to the OpenVPN platform. This platform delivers added security, but also places more load onto the server. Today, lots of devices are compatible with OpenVPN. This includes Windows, iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. Plus, almost all computers can use OpenVPN.

Simultaneously, it should be known that most routers with the DD-WRT firmware will also be able to operate the OpenVPN software. This ensures that the router will be able to deliver a secure VPN connection to all users.

So, why do so many people make the transition to the DD-WRT firmware? Well, this firmware is capable of delivering an abundance of new features to the user. Many of these features are not available with the conventional firmware that was originally installed on the router. Many routers will get security updates with time, but their overall functionality will remain stagnant. By installing the DD-WRT firmware on a router, the business will be able to meet their needs, while also keep their expenses to a minimum. However, it should be known that there is some risk involved.

Once the DD-WRT firmware is installed, there is a good chance that the router’s manufacturer will refuse to offer support. In order to receive the support you need, you’ll need to revert back to the original firmware before doing so.

Configuration Part 1

Part 2 – Configuration

The Perks

Over the years, routers have improved significantly. Nevertheless, it is widely believed that the DD-WRT firmware is still the best solution for businesses that are looking for a cost-effective professional-grade router. Below, you will find a breakdown of some of the top perks associated with this firmware.

NAS – As long as the router is equipped with a USB port, it can also act as a network storage device.

Printers – It is also possible to setup a network printer, by plugging it into the router’s USB port.

QoS Controls – DD-WRT offers highly customizable QoS controls. This ensures bandwidth is allocated in the most efficient way possible.

DNS Caching – The firmware can sometimes speed up the hostname look up process, while delivering faster connections to many websites.

Bridging – With DD-WRT, bridging is a possibility. This can effectively transform the router into a repeater and greatly enhance the range of the Wi-Fi signal.

Antennas – Adjust the antennas and power to ensure the range is maximized

Virtual Private Network – Finally, the DD-WRT router will give you the ability to connect all devices to a VPN. This makes it possible to ensure devices, which are normally incompatible with VPNs, are connected through a secure, private network.

Providers Of Flashed DD-WRT Routers

When attempting to find a DD WRT compatible router, you’ll often need to find a company that is willing to flash the routers. Unfortunately, the flashing process can be a little difficult and it is possible for anything to go wrong. If things go awry, there is a possibility that the router will become bricked. This might make it completely unusable. The good news is that there are some workarounds. If you do not believe that you’ll be able to flash the router on your own, you should consider purchasing one that has already been flashed.

There are many companies that sell routers that have been pre-flashed. This will help save you a significant amount of time, while also allowing you to avoid the risk. Just remember that you will be required to install the VPN on your own. If you believe you can achieve this, you should definitely think about buying a pre-flashed router from Amazon. This is a good way to save money, while also gaining access to a totally secure VPN compatible router for your business network.

VPN Support With DD-WRT

One of the biggest reasons businesses and consumers make the transition to the DD-WRT firmware is to implement a VPN. With a DD WRT supported router, you’ll be able to remain in complete control over your company’s VPN. You’ll be able to make adjustments to the client and server options. Today, there are two different VPN systems that are fully compatible with the DD-WRT. They include OpenVPN and PPTP. The latter is definitely the most common., because it usually comes pre-installed with the DD-WRT firmware.

However, it should be known that the OpenVPN offers a little extra security. Therefore, you may want to consider making the switch sometime in the future. Just make sure that you’re ready to tackle this tech challenge, before attempting to do so.

Installing The DD-WRT Firmware

It is very rare to find a router that comes with the DD-WRT firmware, but there are some rarities out there. With this in mind, you will be responsible for removing the old software and replacing it with the DD-WRT firmware. The good news is that this isn’t an overly complicated process. In fact, you’ll discover that installing the DD-WRT firmware isn’t much different from installing the Linux operating system on your computer. Just remember that routers are very diverse. They come with a wide assortment of CPUs, memory and storage. Therefore, you will first need to locate the DD-WRT version that is compatible with your router of choice.

Simultaneously, there is a good chance that several DD-WRT versions will be compatible with your router. In most cases, the newest update will be best. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to research carefully to ensure you choose the right version for your unique situation. The precise process of installing your firmware can vary depending on the make and model of your router. Nevertheless, the procedure will be fairly similar. You’ll need to venture to your router’s control panel. This can be done by opening your browser and enter the IP address linked to the router.

Once you’ve managed to login, you’ll be able to upload the firmware. Once it has been installed, your router will need to reboot. After everything is up and running again, you’ll need to access the IP address once again and finish configuring your network. Be cautious, as the IP may change with the firmware installation.

The Router’s VPN Capabilities

After you’ve managed to get the firmware installed and working fluidly, you’ll find that connecting to the network will be straightforward and nearly effortless. However, you should realize that you’ll be able to make numerous adjustments to the VPN connection. You can change the settings to adjust the connection speed or to enhance the security. You’ll be able to choose from an assortment of encryption protocols and methods. Simultaneously, you’ll be able to change the encryption key’s length to better suit your needs. Remember that more encryption will equate to better security, but a slightly slower speed.

With this in mind, you may need to experiment a little, until you’re able to find the perfect balance between speed and security!

How To Use The VPN Client

Eventually, your employees will need to setup and configure their VPN client to connect to your server. The easiest way to make this possible is to put the IT administrator in charge. This individual will be able to develop a client configuration file for each and every one of your employees. Then, the file can be delivered to the employee’s email. After the client has installed the OpenVPN software, they’ll be able to use the configuration file to ensure all of the settings are correct. Then, they’ll usually be able to start utilizing the OpenVPN right away.

With the configuration file, the user will need to do very little. Instead, the administrator will be able to ensure that everything is setup appropriately. This can help to ensure that everything goes smoothly for your business.

Setting Up The VPN Server

The last step of the procedure is to ensure that the VPN server is up and running smoothly. The OpenVPN client will need to be installed on all computers that will eventually be connected to the server. Configuring the server to meet your unique needs is generally very easy, as there are tons of tutorials and support online. In general, most systems running this type of setup will be able to accommodate 50 or more users. Adjust the settings from time to time to see whether or not you can enhance the performance of your network!

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